PNP monitoring 1,500 cops for alleged illegal activities

March 8, 2018

Nearly 1,500 officers, including a chief superintendent  of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are being monitored for their alleged involvement in illegal activities, an official said  Thursday.

Senior Superintendent Jose Chiquito Malayo, director of the PNP Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF), said 1,475 policemen are included in their watchlist for reported ties in extortion, illegal drugs, protecting suspected criminals and other illegal activities.

Of the number, 356 are police officials, including a chief superintendent said to be a protector of illegal gambling operators.

Malayo admitted they have yet to obtain solid evidence against the official  “We are still conducting validation,” said Malayo in a news briefing.

Malayo made this revelation  as the chief of the Iligan City Highway patrol team, a subordinate, and two civilian auxiliary members were arrested for alleged extortion Wednesday.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)  Director Oscar Albayalde earlier said at least 70 police officers in Metro Manila are being monitored for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs and other crimes.

Since its creation last year, the CITF has received 10,381 text messages and complaints about the alleged rouge police officers.

A total of 60 policemen  were arrested by the CITF in entrapment operations since last year.

Asked why there are still policemen involved in illegal activities despite a recent pay hike, Malayo said most have been doing corrupt practices for a long time.

“They have been into this practice before. We hope the others will also stop,” said Malayo.

Malayo said there have been fewer complaints in recent months, including last February where they only received eight reports of illegal activities compared to 538 during the same month last year. DMS